When I first started designing the Work Experience program for BCB, I knew we were introducing something quite radical for Brazil. In the UK, it’s normal for students as young as Year 10 and Year 12 to spend a week away from school immersed in a real work environment. It’s an essential part of preparing young people for life beyond the classroom. But here in Brazil, the reality is very different.
Brazil’s strict labor laws protect minors, meaning most companies aren’t accustomed to hosting students under 18 — even for observation. Every placement begins with a conversation explaining that this isn’t an internship or employment. It’s work shadowing: students spend time observing professionals, understanding different roles, and gaining a realistic glimpse into the working world.
This is our third year running the program, and each year it grows — not only in numbers but in diversity and impact. The first year felt like building something from scratch, often one Teams call or coffee meeting at a time. But I’ve learned this isn’t something I could do alone — and thankfully, I haven’t had to.
The true magic lies in our community. Parents, families, and extended networks have been absolutely instrumental. Often, a simple question like “Do you know anyone who might host a student?”, leads to incredible opportunities. A parent connects me with a contact at a hospital, another opens a door to a cultural institution, and someone else introduces a director at a major shipping company. What once felt impossible becomes very real.
This year, those connections led to extraordinary experiences. Two students explored aerospace engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, one of the world’s top aviation schools. Others spent time at São Paulo’s Firefighting Academy, Latin America’s largest, shadowing firefighters and witnessing the resilience needed in emergency services.
Some students explored international logistics with SCANIA and Ocean Network Express (ONE), visiting the bustling Port of Santos to experience global shipping firsthand. Others gained valuable insights with FAMBRAS, a leading HALAL business, which welcomed six of our students and shared its specialized supply chain operations.
Students interested in media and communications spent time at LLYC, a global communications consultancy, while others explored marketing and creative production at companies like Veste and Zmes Marketing. Some experienced the fast-paced event environment at Personalitte, an event production company affiliated with Itaú Bank.
Law-focused students observed professionals at MSA Advogados and VPBG Grupo de Advocacia, while those passionate about creative industries experienced the unique blend of performance and teaching at School of Rock. Science enthusiasts joined research teams in USP’s Biomedicine and Physics laboratories. Meanwhile, others connected with São Paulo’s cultural diversity through placements at Bunkyo and the Korean Cultural Centre.
What I love most is watching students grow during the week. They transition from learners to young professionals — learning how to introduce themselves confidently, ask thoughtful questions, manage their time, and adapt to new environments. These are lessons no textbook can teach.
The learning doesn’t end when the week does. Students reflect on their experiences and prepare presentations for younger peers, sharing what they learned and what stepping into the working world means to them. This creates a cycle of mentorship and inspiration, where learning flows not only from teachers but also from student to student.
The process isn’t without challenges. I still encounter companies whose policies don’t allow minors. But more organizations are beginning to understand this program is about education — safe, structured, and age-appropriate. Many who initially hesitated have become enthusiastic supporters and advocates.
The impact goes far beyond career exploration. Students return more mature, self-aware, and often with a clearer sense of what they want — or don’t want — in their future. For BCB, this program has become a powerful way to engage meaningfully with our community, tapping into the generosity and talent of our families to create opportunities that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together. Every parent who has made an introduction, every professional who opened their doors, and every student who embraced this challenge — you are why this program continues to grow and thrive.
For me, this isn’t just about preparing students for university or the workplace. It’s about preparing them for life.
